Not fancy but friendly

I was heading out on a flight and had some time to kill. I had been to this a long time before when the place was known as Cabaret Canada. I remember, at that time, that I thought I had wandered into a scene out of a David Lynch movie. Not impressed. So it was with some trepidation I returned. A friend said he had been by a month earlier and had a good time so I figured i was worth another shot. Glad I did.

The club is in a remote location at the crossing of two major rural roads. While it is a short drive from the club to the airport or the Rideau Carleton Racetrack and Casino it is not a very developed area, located to the South of the major urban area of Ottawa There is a small complex with a restaurant and motel above and the club in the basement. I pulled into the gravel parking lot and noticed that there were only a few other cars in the lot. But, as I clicked the locks on my rental car I noticed three young women, lightly attired, on a small bench near the entrance. This was clearly the club smoking lounge and the girls smiled at me and invited me to chat before I waltzed in. I kibitzed with them for a minute or two before heading downstairs into the club.

The club ain't Vegas. There was a flat rectangular stage facing the entrance, the chairs and couches wouldn't have looked out of place at a garage sale, a small seating area with a large screen HD TV near the bar and a small standup bar. Deeper in the club was a single pool table where a customer (I presume) and a dancer were playing. But, while the decor was divish the attitude was friendly, from the girls enjoying the sunshine and nicotine outside to the bartender inside. Yes it was a basement bar, but the overall vibe was welcoming. I noticed several posters advertising promotions, 19th hole golf nights, tequila tuesday, something called Stripper Karaoke (have no idea what that is)....clearly someone was putting some effort and creativity into the place.